Burnaby Public Library has appointed Jackie Flowers as its next Chief Librarian, effective March 9, 2026.

Jackie joins BPL from Pickering Public Library, where she has served as Chief Executive Officer/Director of Public Libraries since 2020, and where she oversaw library services for a community of 100,000 people across three branches and a bookmobile. With previous leadership experience at Calgary Public Library, including as Director of Service Design, Jackie brings a proven track record of planning and opening new libraries in rapidly growing communities.

In Pickering, Jackie led design projects for three new libraries, which included in-depth community consultation and research into how library spaces can maximize health and wellness outcomes. She also oversaw the development of Pickering Public Library’s Anti-Black Racism Working Group, an advisory committee made up of residents that provided dozens of recommendations that have been implemented to improve library services through a lens of anti-Black racism.

“We are thrilled to announce Jackie’s appointment as Chief Librarian. She is a strategic and creative leader who is energized by community-led initiatives, results-driven improvements, and developing solutions to complex challenges,” said Anna Lu, Chair, Burnaby Public Library Board. “Jackie has the skills, experience, vision and values to build on BPL’s past successes and to guide staff and the board through future opportunities and challenges.”

Jackie takes over from Beth Davies, who has served as Chief Librarian since 2016.

“I am delighted to join Burnaby Public Library and for the opportunity to amplify the positive impact a library system can deliver to residents living in a vibrant, fast-growing city,” said Jackie. “I care deeply about the role of public libraries and how we contribute to healthy, thriving communities. It is especially important in times when technological changes are accelerating and misinformation causes greater divides, that the public library is there to offer opportunities for understanding, connection and belonging. I am excited to be a library leader in this moment and to lead Burnaby Public Library towards building a caring, curious and connected community for tomorrow.”

The BPL Board hired Jackie after a comprehensive search process led by the BPL Board Personnel Committee and supported by Harbour West Consulting. The Board would like to recognize the work of Sarah Bartnik, Personnel Committee Chair, as well as Committee members Gene Blishen and Raj Hundal.